Tiger Swallowtail on Butterfly Weed

© Michelle Alton

Tiger Swallowtail on Butterfly Weed

Uploaded: July 05, 2012 08:00:53

Description

(I had to take the original down to fix a major flaw. Thanks to Karen M.)
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Although the Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve Newsletter that I received this week said that their Summer Meadow was already "coloring up," when I got there, the blossoms were sparse, EXCEPT for the Asclepias (butterfly weed). But the heat was stifling and I guess the butterflies were resting in the shade somewhare. I saw two swallowtails and one Monarch. Later this month there should be FLOCKS of them posing for portraits!
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The original background was nice--pleasing green meadow stuff, blurred. But I kind of liked the idea of moving the scene to a farm. So I applied one of the "wood" textures from OnOne Photo Frame.
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I'll post one, unadulterated, from the meadow in the discussion area.


Exif: F Number: 5.6, Exposure Bias Value: 0.00, ExposureTime: 1/250 seconds, Flash: did not fire, compulsory flash mode, ISO: 160, White balance: Auto white balance, FocalLength: 145.00 mm, Model: Canon EOS 5D Mark II

Comments

Michelle Alton July 05, 2012

The same butterfly in its natural environment. #1473166

Michelle Alton July 05, 2012

The previous comments:
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Anita Hogue

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Anita's Gallery

member since: 5/30/2004
I love them both, Michelle! Wonderful texture!
7/5/2012 4:17:16 AM

Jack Gaskin

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Jack's Gallery

member since: 11/2/2007
WONDERFUL (COOL LOOK ) on the Background and nice catch on the Swallowtail... Guess they are like everyone else hiding in the shade to avoid the heat.
Was MELTING yesterday around noon tending the tomatoes ... Not to worry theres A LOT TO MELT :o)
Jack
7/5/2012 4:22:05 AM

Danny B. Head

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Danny's Gallery
springcreekphotoart.com

member since: 11/9/2009
It's hard to say which I like better. They are both great shots.... Beautiful work, Michelle!
7/5/2012 4:43:29 AM

Ken Smith

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Ken's Gallery

member since: 6/11/2005
Both are nice but I like the 2nd one the best..the extended pano look with the lone butterfly. Excellent work on these, Michelle!
7/5/2012 4:52:56 AM

Carolyn Fletcher

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Carolyn's Gallery
PickYourShots.com

member since: 10/6/2001
Definitely the 2nd one! I love it!!
7/5/2012 5:00:04 AM

Louisa Hancock
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Louisa's Gallery

member since: 10/12/2011
I love the texture used but I do think the second one separates the butterfly from the background. Just love it
7/5/2012 5:31:33 AM

Karen E. Michaels
karenemichaels.com

member since: 8/24/2004
I like the tone on the first, Michelle.
I have to pick the second because the paint texture is in the wings on the butterfly
7/5/2012 6:11:21 AM

Michelle Alton

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Michelle's Gallery

member since: 5/3/2007
Gosh, Karen...I did NOT notice the texture...I should redo it and erase those touches. Darn!
7/5/2012 6:15:32 AM

R. J. Laudenbacher

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R. J.'s Gallery

member since: 2/14/2008
I love the texture work you did here Michelle!
7/5/2012 6:39:57 AM

Terry Cervi

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terrycerviphotography.com

member since: 2/11/2001
It's a beautiful capture, Michelle, and I really like your use of texture here.
7/5/2012 7:12:45 AM

PATRICIA A. CASEY

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PATRICIA's Gallery
patriciacasey.com

member since: 12/24/2004
I like them both too, Michelle....

#10215286

Stefania Barbier level-classic July 05, 2012

Delicate and beautiful Michelle! #10215323

Katherine Kuhn July 05, 2012

Beautiful capture with great color & detail. Love the old paint background! #10215567

John Connolly July 05, 2012

A nice background transplant Michelle! You did an excellent job with this one! #10215625

Debbie Bray July 05, 2012

A very beautiful scene, Michelle, and what a clever scene changer you are! #10215774

Carol L. Fowler July 05, 2012

Beautiful capture #10215796

Barbara Waldoch July 05, 2012

Beautiful, Michelle! #10215918

Carol Eade level-addict July 05, 2012

Beautiful image and choice of texture! #10216217

Jeffrey R. Bange July 05, 2012

Beautiful capture Michelle and I just love what you did with the background. #10216240

Phyllis A. Houghton July 05, 2012

I love the light textured background, which was beautifully done. Great detail, lighting and comp too! #10216269

Robert K. Bemus level-classic July 05, 2012

Beautiful butterfly image, I love that background!! #10216314

Ann Coates level-classic July 06, 2012

What a beauty you captured here Michelle. The colours and background are excellent. #10216350

Avril Young July 06, 2012

too beautiful Michelle...awesome DD work, lovely texture...the end result is perfect! #10216368

Mike Clime July 06, 2012

Beautiful capture and like the texture, Michelle! PS - 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 is a 0 birthday. #10216530

Patrick Rouzes level-classic July 06, 2012

Love them equally, Michelle! Wonderful job on the new b/g! WTG, my friend!
#10217630

Heather Loewenhardt level-classic July 07, 2012

I like both images equally well Michelle. Your skill in the DD is truly amazing. I'd like to sign up for a class from you. #10218285

Daniel Ruf July 08, 2012

Nice post processing work. #10219798

Patricia White July 08, 2012

I love your new version the best. I don't blame them for hiding either. I am doing the same thing. Get up early get done early with work around the home including photos. Too hot. #10220061

JO ANN CLEVELAND July 08, 2012

Fannnnn....tastic Michelle, I love it!

jo ann c. #10220182

Deborah C. Lewinson level-addict July 08, 2012

Stunning!!! #10220369

Marilyn K. Lincecum level-classic July 10, 2012

Beautiful..love the texture..really makes the butterfly pop. #10223277

Emile Abbott level-deluxe July 11, 2012

Like the added texture, Michelle. #10225074

Daniella Puente July 13, 2012

Beautiful image #10228142

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